RUSSIA has test-fired a nuclear-capable ICBM after President Vladimir Putin denied invading Ukraine - even as his troops ransacked an air base, took over border check points and his ships were repositioned to block a harbour. Earlier Russian soldiers fired warning shots at a group of unarmed Ukrainian soldiers (watch the video above) in a tense stand-off.

And the confusion continues this morning, with reports of armed men trying to board a Ukrainian naval command ship and speculation Russian warships may be stalking another of the country’s vessels.